GUIDES
How to use inflation data
Step-by-step guides for reading CPI reports, comparing countries, and making sense of the numbers behind the headlines. All data links to official sources — BLS, Eurostat, ONS, World Bank, IMF.
How to read a CPI report
Decode a monthly CPI release in five steps — from headline to components to what it means for policy.
How to compare inflation across countries
A practical guide to cross-country inflation comparison — which measures are comparable, which are not, and where to get the data.
How to calculate real interest rates
The Fisher equation, TIPS yields, and how to find real rate data for any country — in four steps.
How to read a central bank decision
Decode a central bank rate decision in five steps — from the headline rate to the vote split to the forward guidance language that actually moves markets.
How to use the World Bank WDI for inflation research
Understanding inflation expectations: why they matter more than current inflation
How to read CPI components: going beyond the headline number
How to track inflation in real time: the complete data toolkit
How to interpret central bank inflation projections
How to use FRED for inflation research: a practical guide
How to read a jobs report for inflation signals
Extract the inflation signals that matter most from the monthly BLS employment situation report.
How to understand inflation across income groups
Why inflation varies by income group and how to measure the gap beyond the headline number.
How to hedge against inflation
The main asset classes that protect purchasing power, with practical trade-offs for each.
How to read a PCE report
A practical walkthrough of the BEA's monthly PCE release — what to read first, and how it drives Fed decisions.
How to read a Bank of England Monetary Policy Report
Navigate the Bank of England's quarterly inflation forecasts and fan charts like an economist.
How to build an inflation dashboard
Build a live personal inflation tracker using free data from FRED, World Bank, and Eurostat.
How to read a Eurostat HICP release
Navigate Eurostat's HICP flash and final releases — country tables, contributions, and what the ECB watches.
How to spot a wage-price spiral
Distinguish a genuine wage-price spiral from ordinary wage-inflation interaction using the right data series.
How to read a UK RPI report
How to use IMF World Economic Outlook data for inflation research
How to read an Armenian CPI release
How to interpret inflation surprises
How to read a Producer Price Index report
Navigate the monthly BLS PPI release in five steps — from final demand to stage-of-processing to what it signals for CPI.
How to use OECD.Stat for inflation research
Access and use OECD harmonised inflation data for cross-country research — series selection, filtering, downloading, and pitfalls.
How exchange rates and currency moves affect inflation
Understand how currency movements feed into consumer prices — the pass-through mechanism, how to estimate it, and which countries are most exposed.
What is the best source for comparing inflation across countries?
The World Bank World Development Indicators (FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG) is the most comprehensive source: annual CPI inflation rates for 190+ countries back to 1960, using a consistent methodology. For monthly data, the IMF Global Economic Monitor (GEM) provides monthly series for most countries. Both are freely downloadable.
What is the difference between CPI and HICP?
CPI (Consumer Price Index) is a national measure — the US BLS CPI-U includes owners' equivalent rent, while the UK ONS CPI excludes owner-occupied housing. HICP (Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices) is calculated using a common Eurostat methodology across all EU countries, specifically for cross-country comparison. HICP excludes owner-occupied housing, making it structurally lower than US CPI in periods of rising rents.
How do I calculate the real interest rate from inflation data?
The Fisher equation gives the approximate real interest rate: real rate ≈ nominal rate − inflation rate. For precision, use the exact Fisher equation: real rate = (1 + nominal) / (1 + inflation) − 1. The FRED database publishes 10-year TIPS yields as a market-implied real rate for the US. The IMF World Economic Outlook publishes real interest rate estimates for 190 countries.
Where can I find a full inflation release calendar?
The BLS release calendar lists all US CPI dates for the year. For the UK, the ONS release calendar covers all statistical publications. Eurostat publishes a release calendar for all euro indicators. Our Events page covers upcoming releases with context and country-by-country time-zone tables.
How do I adjust a historical price for inflation?
Divide the CPI index level in the target year by the CPI index level in the base year, then multiply the historical price by that ratio. For the US, the World Bank CPI index series (FP.CPI.TOTL, base 2010=100) covers nearly every country since 1960. The FRED CPI series goes back to 1947. Our Calculators page automates this.